In Chicago, Jim O’Donnell wrote since CBS Sports’ Jim Nantz confirmed that the 2023 Men's Final Four will be his last for CBS/Turner, “speculation has been swirling about when he's going to walk away from the Masters and network NFL play-by-play.” O’Donnell: “Don't hold your breath.” At age 63, Nantz “should be good for at least five more years alongside Tony Romo” on CBS's lead pro football duo -- and that is a “conservative estimate.” As for the Masters, Nantz could go on “until he needs Gene Sarazen's old 4-wood to get out of Butler Cabin.” The “precise and proper sons of the South at Augusta National love the man that much” (Chicago DAILY HERALD, 10/30).
VOICES OF THE PEOPLE: In Boston, Chad Finn wrote it has been “satisfying to see some talented, dedicated voices receive the highest-profile opportunities lately.” Kevin Burkhardt, whose sportscaster origin story includes “working as a used-car salesman while trying to break into broadcasting," will call the Super Bowl for Fox this season at age 48 after being “elevated to the top team.” Meanwhile, CBS’s Ian Eagle will succeed Nantz as the net’s “voice of the men’s basketball Final Four starting with the 2023-24 season.” Eagle, whose “style and sense of humor are reminiscent of Marv Albert in his heyday,” might have the “highest approval rating from fans of just about any national play-by-play voice” (BOSTON GLOBE, 10/29).
FANTASTIC VOYAGE: The AP’s Joe Reedy noted “one of the more under-the-radar moves” across NFL media was fantasy analyst Matthew Berry going from ESPN to NBC. While those who have left ESPN have “found a slow transition in building an audience when they move to another network,” Berry is “encouraged by early streaming numbers and page views.” Berry said, “Every single thing NBC promised me during the recruiting process not only has come through, but they’ve over delivered. I feel energized and have enjoyed the challenge and opportunity of building something from scratch.” Reedy noted NBC also has Berry “doing some traveling” (AP, 10/29).
